Flying Apple NY Review
An Indoor Playground Located near Bed-Stuy/Bushwick Border
With this gorgeous spring weather today, indoor playspaces are not exactly top of mind. I don’t think we’ve fully turned the corner yet…and before we know it, we’ll be turning to these places for air conditioning instead of warmth.
I found Flying Apple while researching for my Google Maps list of indoor place spaces and have been excited to check it out since. I finally went last Sunday, and both of my children were very happy with the choice.
The place was WILD. It was probably peak demand time when we went, but it was almost Urban Air level chaos.
The Details
Flying Apple is right by the M, J, Z Myrtle Ave stop, about three miles from Prospect Heights. We decided to carpool with a friend and found a parking spot two blocks away.
The facility is open 2-8 pm Monday-Friday and 10 am-9 pm on Saturday & Sunday.
The price is affordable compared to other alternatives. Admission is untimed and costs $29.99 on weekends for ages 4+ and $15.99 for a 3-year-old. 2 years and under are free. We did not have to pay for adult entry.
Socks are required, and I’d recommend grippy socks from a trampoline park if you have them.
There is an area for cubbies but no lockers or dedicated stroller parking.
The Experience
The weather and the time of day didn’t help, but it was quite chaotic. I would not recommend Flying Apple for children who can easily get overwhelmed. (This is only thinking about busy times on the weekends- on weekdays, I think it’s great for all ages.)
My 6-year-old and her friend loved the free-for-all in the space. They made a few other friends and played tag. This is an exciting space for children who like physical play.
I think it depends on your child for children five and younger. My 3-year-old was very happy. He wanted me to follow him everywhere, but he was still okay with himself at times. (I could follow him, but my geriatric millennial body didn’t love it.)
My friend’s 4-year-old was not happy with the amount of noise inside. While she was a bit tired from a grandparents' visit, it was a clear example of how it could be too much for some children.
I definitely would avoid on weekends for younger children who don’t just want to be held. Kids were running around fast, and there was a lot of activity in a small space.
The Space
They’ve done a great job putting together a lot of indoor equipment here. It’s the physical stuff kids love: climbing, stairs, swinging, etc.
This purple slide and climbing wall were a huge hit. According to my daughter's friend, it is a “dip” slide that goes incredibly fast. My son refused to go down the covered slides because he was scared. He had no problem climbing up the wall!
It feels like your children could be above your head all over the playground. There is a lot of real estate and things they can play with.
The ninja course and ball pit were quite popular. Sidenote: A staff member just went around picking up ball pit balls the entire time. It felt a lot like keeping my apartment clutter free- hopeless.
There is a mini arcade with a $7 claw machine, but I refused to indulge my children.
My Tips
Plan for a Snack: There is an amazing snack bar across the street—Maya’s Snack Bar. They serve Mexican-style street food. We had the best esquites and popsicles (I had arroz con leche flavored). Honestly, this makes me want to go to the playspace to visit Maya’s again.
Bring a Friend: It can be difficult to keep an eye on your children the whole time at this type of place. If you go with a friend that your child will likely stay with, you can feel a bit more secure about the lack of visibility.
Wear layers. By the time we left, everyone was sweating. My daughter's face always gets really red when she runs around; she was chugging water on her way out.
Leave the Stroller at Home: There was very little stroller parking. I can’t even imagine getting a Vista into this space!
Let’s hope this Spring and Sun last a few more days!
Katie